Same story here, Michael. Manual tuning is the only way I ever hear my signal, but then only above about 30 degrees elevation. I don't have the same troubles on FO-29, etc. One problem I am in the process of fixing is high loss feedlines. Since I am very cautious about using the recommended low power, my EIRP is very low. But, the feedlines should be replaced soon with LMR-400. I hope the other four Funcubes that are in the pipeline will not be as peculiar as AO-73.